Campaign for the Rock

16 Sep 2013, 1:16 p.m.

A local resident has a groundswell of support for a petition that he hopes will change the Macedon Ranges Council decision to eliminate community consultation for a large-scale development at Hanging Rock.

Campaign for the Rock

A local resident has a groundswell of support for a petition that he hopes will
change the Macedon Ranges Council decision to eliminate community consultation
for a large-scale development at Hanging Rock.

Last week, the council voted
5-4 in favour of a plan to build a conference centre, accommodation, event space
and day spa without consulting the community. Luke Spielvogel, a local resident,
has begun a campaign to highlight the decision and encourage the council to
consult with the community.

"My position is very simple, if council wants to
develop Hanging Rock then they should be obligated to consult the community and
their constituents per their own Community Consultation Framework," Luke said.

"I started an online petition to give people a voice and have their say. I
have been overwhelmed with the support, in three days we had over 800
signatures."

The resolution as it stands identifies the need for private
investment as an income source, endorses a plan to invite private development of
5.8 hectares of the Hanging Rock precinct and to seek out government funding to
improve infrastructure to entice developers.

"The council, as stewards of
Hanging Rock, have a responsibility to the local community and to the thousands
of visitors annually from all over the world to ensure the unique character and
essence of the Rock is preserved. The Macedon Ranges community deserves to have
its say on its future," Luke said.